England sevens head coach Simon Amor believes his side’s preparations could not be better as the start of the World Rugby Sevens Series edges closer.

The series kicks off in Dubai next month on December 4 and 5 with England drawn in Pool D alongside Australia, Wales and Kenya.

It is set to be a particularly important year with the Rio Olympics – where all the home nations will be represented under the Team GB banner following England’s success last season – taking place next summer.

Amor has been putting his players through their paces during a long pre-season which, for most players, began five months ago.

On Tuesday, the team took on Scotland and Wales in a series of conditioned games at the Millennium Stadium.

And Amor, who has included the likes of 2014 Commonwealth Games players Dan Bibby, Tom Mitchell and Phil Burgess in his squad for the 2015/2016 season, is optimistic the hard work will bear fruit in the campaign ahead.

“These conditioned sessions with Wales and Scotland have provided the players with valuable game time against very good opposition,” he said.

“Training with them at Bisham Abbey was successful but to do it here under the roof at the Millennium Stadium is brilliant preparation for everyone.  

“Working together as Home Unions also brings a Great Britain element.  There are lots of good conversations taking place with Gareth Williams [Head Coach Wales 7s and GB 7s Assistant Coach] and Calum MacRae [Head Coach Scotland 7s] about how we get all our teams absolutely firing for this world series. 

“The more successful the Home Nations are, the better the place Team GB will be in come the summer.  It is an exciting time for sevens.”

© Sportsbeat 2015